All states · Maine
Licensing in Maine
In Maine, professional licenses are issued by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation: beauty, massage, electricians, plumbers and fuel technicians. Nurses are licensed by the State Board of Nursing, and nurse aides are registered by DHHS.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | School | Trainee |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 2,500 hours |
| Barber Hair Stylist | 800 hours | 1,600 hours |
| Aesthetician | 600 hours | Up to 1,000 hours |
| Nail Technician | 200 hours | 400 hours |
- Instead of school, you can train on a Trainee license under a licensed professional. An exam is required after training.
- Licenses renew annually by October 31; the fee is $20. If lapsed more than 4 years, you must retake the exam.
| License | Requirements | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 500 training hours or the NCBTMB exam | Annually |
- You must be 18+ with a high school diploma. The license fee is $40, plus $21 for a background check.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Maine State Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Maine State Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | Maine DHHS (CNA Registry) | State exam |
- Maine is in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
- CNAs complete at least 130 training hours and a state exam; registration renews every 24 months with paid work.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | No state license | General contracting, roofing and framing are not licensed |
| Master, Journeyman, Limited Electrician | Electricians’ Examining Board | Renews every 2 years |
| Master, Journeyman Plumber | Plumbers’ Examining Board | Renews every 2 years |
| Oil, Solid Fuel, Propane and Natural Gas Technician | Maine Fuel Board | Renews every 2 years |
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Maine Secretary of State | Certificate of Formation (MLLC-6) — $175; annual report — $85 |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Maine specifics
- Trainee path instead of school. Cosmetologist — 2,500 hours instead of 1,500.
- Annual renewal. Beauty licenses — by October 31.
- A separate barber license. Barber Hair Stylist — 800 hours.
- Massage — 500 hours or an exam. Annual renewal.
- General contractors are not licensed. Electricians, plumbers and fuel technicians are.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in Maine
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Does a general contractor need a state license?
No. General contractors, roofers and framers are not licensed in Maine.
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 school hours or 2,500 trainee hours, then an exam.
When do beauty licenses renew?
Annually, by October 31.
How much does an LLC cost?
$175 to file and $85 for the annual report.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Maine Revised Statutes, Maine State Board of Nursing, Maine CNA Registry (DHHS), Maine Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.